The Butler Fastpitch Association offers recreational softball sessions in both the spring and fall at the 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U and 18U age levels as registration numbers allow. Alle-Kiski Softball League is the primary league in which our teams participate, however, do to game availability teams may play in the Greater Pittsburgh Girls Softball League.

Recreational softball is intended to balance the needs of the player looking to develop and advance her skills as well as the player who is interested in participating in a sporting activity with her friends. In both cases the concepts of “team” and “discipline” are instilled in our players in a fun environment that promotes shared playing time.

For those players looking to excel in softball, our coaches instruct with a series of developmental progressions in mind. The progression of players will vary based on the age at which the player starts playing organized softball and the amount of time the player practices with their team and at home.

More serious softball players are encouraged to consider participating in the Butler “All-Star” teams. These teams are selected based upon skills demonstrated through season games and tryout environments. Each team participates in various tournaments throughout the region. The costs accrued through the involvement in the all-star programs are additional costs the individual players are responsible for producing.

The expected progressions by age level for our recreational softball players is shown below for reference.

6U (6 and Under)

Young ladies between the ages of 4 and 6 are eligible to play 6U softball. Any girl who is 6 years old or younger on or before December 31 of the previous year is eligible to play 6U softball.

The 6U level is designed as a soft introduction into the game of softball. Players will use a safety ball and will be instructed in the basic concepts of the game.

8U (8 and Under)

Most children ages 7 and 8 will play 8U softball. Any girl who is 8 years old or younger on or before December 31 of the previous year is eligible to play 8U softball.

At the 8U level, all games will be “coach pitch” for all innings.

The primary objective at this level is to provide each player with a “positive softball experience” so that they want to play again the following year. We also work to ensure that each player has learned and routinely practices the concepts and skills listed below:

  • Team concept

  • Warm up techniques

  • Number of outs per inning

  • Fielding techniques (proper down and ready positions)

  • Uses both hands to catch the ball vs. one handed or trapped catches

  • Understands where to make the defensive play

  • Proper batting position

  • Proper throwing technique

  • Proper baserunning

  • Introductory pitching fundamentals (for those interested and capable)

  • Good sportsmanship (each game should end with a handshake)

A player is ready to advance from the 8U level when the player has learned the skills listed above and is starting to catch the ball with the glove “up” (at face level) as opposed to basket catches with the glove facing down. The player will be successful putting the ball in play in most coach-pitched at-bats. Balls thrown or hits batted at a softball player will usually result in the player making the effort to catch the ball with periodic success.

10U (10 and Under)

Any girl who attains the age of 9 or 10 years old on or before December 31 of the previous season year is eligible to play 10U Softball. Players at this level should successfully demonstrate the skills expected for graduating out of 8U. Players that are NOT able to demonstrate the skills required to graduate out of 8U may be waivered back into 8U with the approval of the Butler Fastpitch Association Board and the board of directors of the league for the recreational softball session (currently Alle-Kiski).

At the 10U softball level, no walks are issued to the batters. All games are player pitch until four balls are issued to the batter. At that time the coach of the team at bat comes in and the at bat starts over.

Base stealing is introduced at 10U. During player pitch, base runners are permitted to attempt to steal 2nd or 3rd base once the pitched ball crosses home plate or either foul line. Stealing of home is not allowed. Stealing is also not allowed when a coach is pitching.

It is critical that the managers and coaches of this division provide sound training and a good balance of playing time and position rotations for all players.

The primary objective at the 10U level is to provide each player with a “positive softball experience” so that they want to play again the following year. We also work to ensure that each player has learned and routinely practices the concepts and skills listed below:

  • Advanced warm up techniques

  • The ball is always “Live”

  • Ground ball fielding techniques

  • Where (i.e. what base) to make a play

  • Relaying the ball from the outfield to the infield

  • Base running (advancing beyond 1st base on balls hit to the outfield)

  • Base stealing

  • Batting stance

  • Basic pitching mechanics

  • Communication (calling for a fly ball)

  • Backing up plays

  • Pitcher positioning

  • Difference between a force play and a tag

  • Basic bunting skills

  • Good sportsmanship

12U (12 and Under)

Any girls who will attain the age of 11 or 12 years old on or before December 31 of the previous season year shall be eligible to play 12U. The 12U level is both competitive and instructional with more emphasis on the competitive aspects of the game. Coaches focus on fielding a competitive team while also providing the players with a fun learning experience. All players are ensured playing time.

Players should focus on refining their softball skills with a strong emphasis on consistency. Often the difference between and average player and a good player is the ability to consistently execute the required skills.

Players in the 12U Level should:

  • Arrive on time to practice and be prepared for practice or games

  • Show proper batting stance, bat position, and swing execution

  • Understand the Dropped 3rd Strike Rule

  • Understand the Infield Fly Rule

  • Reasonable competence in making contact with the ball

  • Reasonable competence in fielding fly balls

  • Know the difference between bunting for a base hit and a sacrifice bunt (and be able to execute both with directional bunting as needed)

  • Know proper and advanced baserunning techniques

  • Exploding off the base after the ball crosses the plate

  • Understand when to tag up vs. going half way

  • Proper sliding techniques

  • Taking a secondary lead

  • Execute proper pitching motion

  • Use proper catching skills (blocking the plate with the ball, blocking wild pitches, throwing our runners)

  • Cover bases correctly when receiving a throw or fielding a ball

  • Understand how to go back on a fly ball

  • Properly execute a double play

  • Execute a run down – both as a fielder and as a runner

  • Know what can happen after a ball is caught in foul territory

  • Understand the “Catch and Carry Rule”

  • Use the relay man from outfield or throw home if needed

  • Cover all bases and backs up other players after a hit

  • Execute proper defensive strategies on bunts

  • Always demonstrate good sportsmanship on and off the field